Ingredient glossary / Colorant
Yellow 5 (tartrazine)
On the label: CI 19140 · Colorant
What it is
A synthetic yellow dye used in bath products and some makeup; also a food dye.
Colorants: Colorants tint the product or the skin; in the US each is listed by its FDA name (CI number or D&C name).
Wikidata: Chemical compound. Q407158 →
In the research
5 PubMed papers mention it with skin, cosmetics or hair; the three most recent:
- Efficacy and Safety of a Topical Formulation Containing Trihydroxybenzoic Acid Glucoside and α-Arbutin, Applied Along With a Sunscreen: A Noncomparative, Prospective, Interventiona · Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2025
- HC Yellow 5 · International journal of toxicology, 2023
- Prevalence of sensitivity to food and drug additives in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria · The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice, 2014
A paper is a paper, not a verdict: titles are listed so you can read them, and a study on cells or mice says little about a cream on a face.
Products whose label lists it
2 on the siteMatched from the ingredient list the supplier printed; the position in the list (first or thirtieth) is on each product page.
Made in the USA
Made in the USAOther colorants
Dew & Balm describes ingredients from the public record and makes no claim about what a product will do for you. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. If a product causes a reaction, stop using it; a reaction that spreads or affects breathing is a call to a doctor or 911.